Reunion

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We walk about a mile in the woods before we come to a clearing.  It takes me a second to realize it's Evie's house, aka Evie's 4 Hearts.  Never have I been happier to see her beautiful, vine and ivy-spotted cottage/mansion with its surrounding gardens.  I'm dead on my feet and would kill for some water.  Carlos is practically dragging me by my hand.

As we get closer, Mal, Evie, Uma, and Celia run out to greet us.  It's nice to see everyone joyfully reuniting.  I nearly topple over when Celia hugs me and I hold on tightly to her until she squirms trying to get away.

Ben nods to Uma, "I always knew you'd be part of the solution."

Uma blushes at that.  It is nice to see her on the other side of the gate.

Mal briefly admires Ben's beastly look before getting back to the topic at hand, "Okay, so we all think that Audrey could be at Fairy Cottage. We've no idea where it is, did she take you there?"

Ben sighs, "Every Fairy Godmother's Day. Where is Fairy Godmother when you need her?"

Jane shakes her head, "I wish I knew."

Carlos taps my shoulder and gestures for us to go sit at a table off to the side.  Once I'm seated, Carlos remains standing, hesitating, "Hey, um... you know I didn't forget your birthday or your party, right?"

I roll my eyes, "Carlos, of course I do. I get it- Audrey showed up for Mal. You had to help her. I would've done the same."

He breathers a sigh of relief and sits down, "Well, this might be a bad time, but, uh... happy birthday."

He slides over a black jewelry box wrapped with red ribbon, "I made it with my 3D printer."

I open it to find a black necklace with a red rose on a black pendant.

I open it to find a black necklace with a red rose on a black pendant

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My mouth drops open, "Carlos-"

"There's an engraving in the back, too."

I flip it over to see "Cadison" engraved in the back.  Carlos explains, "It's, uh, our names put together. Because, you know, we're together, you and me, you know, like a couple. I could've gone with Carlison, but... I went with Cadison... unless you prefer Carlison, do you prefer Carlison?"

I shake my head at his rambling, "Carlos, I love it.  Cadison is fine."

Carlos shakes his head, not hearing a word I say, "Yes, you do, it's fine, you know what? I can remake it."

He stands and reaches for the necklace, but I yank it away, "You'll have to pry this from my cold, dead hands because I love it.  It's perfect, Carlos.  Thank you."

I hold the necklace up, "If you promise to chill, I'll let you help me put it on."

Carlos nods and I hand him the necklace.  I stand up and face away from him, moving my hair away from my neck so he can clasp the necklace on.  The metal is ice cold, but I welcome it.  Looking down at the pendant, I'm reminded of home, the Isle.  Spinning around, I throw my arms around Carlos' neck, "Thank you."

Ben nods to Doug, "Doug, go with Jane. You need to find Fairy Godmother."

Uma suggests, "They might need some muscle."

Doug looks offended, "Hey."

Gil offers, "Well, I'll go."

I hold up my hand, "Yeah, actually, I would feel better."

Jane trekked through miles of the forest with me.  The least I can do is make sure she finds her mother safely with plenty of security.

Evie nods, "Yeah, actually, I'd feel better, too."

"Same," Mal agrees.

Resigned, Doug admits, "Actually, I would, too."

Gil pats him on the back, "Alright, man, let's do it! Let's go, Jane!"

I give Jane a quick hug goodbye, "Stay safe."

She nods and runs to catch up with the guys, while the rest of us head for Fairy Cottage.

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A/N- See, I didn't completely abandon this story 😅

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